Call for applications: Youth Advocacy Group for the Global Education First Initiative

The Youth Advocacy Group (YAG) for the UN Secretary-General’s
Global Education First Initiative is now accepting applications
for new members. This is an exciting opportunity to join a
dynamic group of young people who are committed to ensuring that
every child receives a relevant, quality education.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 November 2013 by midnight EDT

What is the Global Education First Initiative (GEFI)?
The Global Education First Initiative was launched in September
2012 by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban
Ki-moon. The aims of the initiative are to raise the political
profile of education, strengthen the global movement to achieve
quality education, and generate additional and sufficient funding
for education. The Global Education First Initiative has three
key priorities: put every child in school, improve the quality of
learning, and foster global citizenship among children and youth
worldwide.

What is the Youth Advocacy Group (YAG)?
The Youth Advocacy Group (YAG) was appointed in August 2012 to
provide strategic support and advice to the youth representative
in the High Level Steering Committee, strengthen momentum and
increase support for the Global Education First Initiative. The
group is currently made up of 12 active members who are
spearheading grassroots initiatives in their own countries and on
the global stage to increase access to education, improve the
quality of learning and foster global citizenship.

As representatives of a wider youth network, the 12 members are
from 12 different countries:

The YAG moves forward GEFI's three main priorities amongst their
networks and partners by:
1. Facilitating consultations with other youth in their
countries, regions, and globally;
2. Providing strategic advice on the education priorities of
young people;
3. Promoting the priorities and voices of young people in the
advocacy messages and activities of GEFI and;
4. Mobilizing young people and governments to make pledges in
support of education and holding them accountable to their
commitments.

COMPOSITION AND ELIGIBILITY
The Youth Advocacy Group shall be composed of 15-18
non-compensated individuals between the ages of 15-28 who are
representatives of organizations with demonstrated expertise and
experience of working on and advocating for young people,
including youth-led organizations, the private sector, media and
academia. Such individuals should have demonstrated leadership
and activism, and should be able to consult with and reach out to
a larger constituency. The Youth Advocacy Group meets online once
every two weeks and in-person whenever necessary to plan, support
and advance the goals of the Global Education First
Initiative.

What are the application criteria?
Applicants should:
o be between 15 and 28 years old;
o have access to the internet;
o be able to commit at least three hours per week for the
group;
o be proficient in both spoken and written English;
o demonstrate passion and experience in advocating for education
in their respective communities and;
o demonstrate connection to wider network(s) and ability to
consult with and represent views of other young people

Young people from the following geographical areas are
particularly encouraged to apply. (This, however, does not limit
those living outside these areas.)
o Central/North Asia
o Middle East
o Latin America

A demonstrated commitment, experience and expertise in a specific
field of education will be considered an added asset.

How do you apply?
The Youth Advocacy Group will be constituted for a period of one
year, from January 2014 – 2015. Members of the group will be
expected to make a one-year commitment, with the possibility of
renewal. Prepare and submit the following documents to
yag.gefi@gmail.com on or before the application
deadline.
o Curriculum Vitae / Resume (Maximum of three pages)
o Written Reference / Recommendation or Endorsement Letter
(Maximum of one page) from either your workplace, university, or
school
o A Statement of Purpose (Maximum 700 words) which addresses the
following questions:
- What has been your experience with the Education sector?
- Why are you passionate about Education?
- What are your future goals?
- What is it you hope to gain from participating as a member of
the Youth Advocacy Group?

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